Grants and Awards

Council offers a range of grant programmes to support projects, activities and events across the region.

Our community grants programme offers the following opportunities for groups and, in some instances, individuals, to apply for support to undertake activities that benefit the community of the Fraser Coast Local Government Area.

Council offers community groups and organisations to apply for funding to assist with projects that make a positive and ongoing contribution to the Fraser Coast’s biodiversity, environment and waterways values.

This programme is intended to:

Provide community organisations with support to meet identified community needs;

Build community skills, capacity and resilience;

Develop and maintain community infrastructure;

Provide opportunities for community organisations to leverage Council’s assistance to obtain funding from other sources; and

Provide opportunities for community organisations to assist Council to deliver on Councils strategic goals and identified key initiatives.

Grants of up to $2,000 per project are available for community groups and organisations to plan and deliver Community based projects between July 2019 and June 2020.
Examples of eligible and in-eligible projects and activities are included in the Program Guidelines.

Grants will not be provided to individuals.
Applications are open for Council’s 2019-20 Community Environment Grants.

Fraser Coast Regional Council recognises the health and livelihood of our community, including individual artists and arts organisations, are being directly affected by the global impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). All over the world we are seeing people look to the artistic community through film, music, craft, artistic workshops, digital dance lessons and numerous other creative solutions to connect during this unprecedented crisis. #FraserCoastCreates is an essential service to the Fraser Coast community during this period of isolation, transformation and change and will be taking over our Facebook pages from May. Online visitors will enjoy a variety of arts activities including artist talks, snapshots of Council’s collection, special performances by local performers and musicians, studio tours, interactive games, and on-sharing of professional development opportunities.

Council seeks expressions of interest from visual and performing artists, creators and storytellers to develop either one-off or short-term projects for this online initiative. All artists across any platform or medium are encouraged to apply and pitch their work or idea. Applicants must read and understand the Funding Guidelines (PDF) and complete an expression of interest via Council’s online grants portal. Apply here.

Council invites interested individuals to make an application for the expanded Individual Excellence and Development Grants.

This Programme provides assistance to individuals in support of their participation at national or international competitions and events.

Participation must fall in to either Sports or STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) category activities.

Sports applicants must be representing the Fraser Coast in an official national or international championships or competitions that are endorsed by the Australian Sports Commission and must provide a letter of selection.

STEAM applicants must be representing the Fraser Coast at a national or international level. Individuals must be selected by a recognised national governing body or equivalent and provide a letter of selection.

What is the Regional Arts Development Fund?

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between state and local Government to invest in quality arts and cultural experiences across Queensland based on locally determined priorities.

RADF promotes the role and value of arts, culture and heritage as key drivers to support diversity and inclusivity; grow strong regions; and provide training, education and employment opportunities for Queensland artists and local communities.

RADF is a flexible fund, enabling local councils to tailor RADF programs to suit the needs of their community.

How does RADF operate on the Fraser Coast?

The RADF 2019/20 Community Grants Program was announced in October 2019.

The Arts and Heritage Program Coordinator is the RADF Liaison Officer for the program and manages it in partnership with a RADF Advisory Committee, receiving support as required from the broader Cultural Services team.

The community funding pool is offered annually with applications for all funding categories being accepted year round, opening in November 2019. For administrative purposes, there are two (2) closing dates and subsequent assessment to ensure efficient management of the program.

There are six categories of funding available for individuals, groups and organisations:

Application Process

The RADF application process is as follows:

Council will publicise the availability of RADF grant programmes on Council’s website and social media sites, in the local media and by direct email to individuals and organisations listed on the Grants Distribution list. When Rounds are OPEN you will be able to access them via: frasercoast.smartygrants.com.au

Council will undertake ongoing engagement and capacity building with the community, assisting applicants to identify and develop projects. Applicants are required to make contact with Council’s RADF Liaison Officer prior to submitting an application.Council’s grant programmes are based online. The application form can be previewed prior to commencement of the application, and a pdf file can be printed from the final (review) page once an application has been commenced. The online form is the only method for submitting an application. If an applicant does not have access to a computer, Council libraries can provide access to a computer and the internet and some initial guidance to enable access to the application form.

Once an application has been started, a number of people within your organisation/project team can work on the application using the same login and password (only one person can be logged in at a time). Council‘s RADF Liaison Officer is available to provide advice and assistance regarding the application form. Contact information is contained within the application form.

When an application is submitted, the applicant will receive an email confirmation of lodgement and a copy of the submitted application for the organisation’s records.

Applications will initially be assessed by the Grants Officer and RADF Liaison Officer to confirm eligibility. If the grant round has not yet closed, and errors are identified, Council Officer’s will endeavour to work with the applicant to correct the application. Any amendments must be undertaken within the open application status of the Grant Application Round.

After the Grant Round closes, the RADF Advisory Committee will be convened and assessment of applications will be undertaken. The RADF Advisory Committee makes recommendations for project funding to Council for the final decision. In assessing the grants, Council will ensure RADF monies are allocated in a fair and equitable way and ensure best possible value for money.

Once Council has decided grant funds allocations, applicants will be advised of the outcomes. Unsuccessful applicants can seek feedback on how they can strengthen future applications. Directions on how to seek this feedback will be provided with the outcome advice.

RADF Advisory Committee

The RADF program is supported by the RADF Advisory Committee. The Committee comprises of independent community members who provide expert advice and recommendations based on their specialised knowledge, skills and experience.

RADF 2019/20 Advisory Committee members:

Mr Ian Slater

Mrs Rhonda Simonis

Mr Shawn Wondunna-Foley

Ms Taylor Dunn

2018/2019 Program Overview

For a complete overview of the current RADF Community Grant Program including eligible projects, please view the RADF 2019/20 Community Funding Program Guidelines (PDF, 355KB).

Council invites community groups and organisations to apply for a one-off grant that:
Provide small townships and their community organisations with the support and opportunity to decorate their main street and/or public space to celebrate the festive season.

Build community skills, capacity and resilience; and,

Provide opportunities for community organisations to assist Council to deliver on Councils strategic goals and identified key initiatives.

Grants of up to $2,000 per township is available for community groups and organisations to purchase and install festive decorations such as lighting, Christmas trees, feature decorations, signage and banners in outdoor locations.

Eligible organisations must be based within the Fraser Coast local government area in a township/population centre with less than 10,000 people (includes Bauple, Boonooroo, Brooweena, Burrum Heads, Glenwood, Gundiah, Howard, Maaroom, Poona, River Heads, Teebar, Tiaro, Toogoom, Torbanlea, Tuan)

Examples of eligible and ineligible event expenditure in the Program Guidelines
Grants will not be provided to individuals.

Applications have now closed for Council’s 2019-20 Small Township Festive Decorations Grants.

Fraser Coast Regional Council’s Sport and Recreation Capital Assistance Fund offers eligible community organisations the opportunity to apply for one-off funding to develop projects under the categories of Canteens, Security, Shade or Water Sustainability that assists in the growth and engagement of sport or active recreation in the Fraser Coast region.

The purpose of the Sport and Recreation Capital Assistance Fund is to:

Assist the long term sustainability of community sport and active recreation groups who play a Vital role in providing avenues for increased participation in physical activity and improving the health and wellbeing of the Fraser Coast Community; and,

Build capacity in the sporting and active recreation community to meet and respond to Council’s goals, as outlined in the Corporate Plan.

Council encourages community organisations to actively share resources and will look favourably on joint club applications or multi-use projects.

Council uses the Australian Sports Directory to confirm whether a sport or recreational pursuit is recognised. Please check this list before you commence an application.

Applicants must discuss their proposed project with Council’s Sport and Recreation Officer on 4197 4518.

Fraser Coast Regional Council in partnership with the Fraser Coast Chronicle and Hervey Bay RSL will award a Sportsperson of the month award. This award profiles athletes who stand up above the rest; whether it’s talent, heart, determination or overcoming a challenge.

Coaches, teammates, community members or league officials can nominate the sportsperson. We encourage nominations from all the different sports groups within the Fraser Coast region.